Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden was found dead in a San Diego federal building, authorities said Thursday.
Local police discovered the 48-year-old dead inside an office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building late Wednesday, but ruled that no foul play is suspected.
Mr. Haden was reported missing Wednesday evening, and his body was found a short time later.
The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of Mr. Haden’s death.
“Out of an abundance of caution, [San Diego Police Department] investigators responded to the scene, and no foul play is suspected,” a spokesperson for the department said in a statement.
He reportedly hanged himself, according to the California Post, News Corp’s tabloid newspaper.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Adam Gordon said that “this is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life.”
“He was a beacon of light — full of laughter, friendship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community. We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Gordon had sent an email to all staff informing them that Mr. Haden was “reported missing yesterday and was later found deceased.” Out of respect for Mr. Haden’s wife and children, he said that he would not disclose further details.
“He was the best of us, and only ever wanted the best for us,” he wrote in the email to staff, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “He was a beacon of light and leaves an incredible legacy for his leadership and commitment to our office and community.”
Mr. Haden first joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010 and served as acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California twice, in both 2023 and 2025, filling in during vacancies.
